Plans to improve walking and cycling access around Elland and West Vale have taken a step forward with Esh Construction now appointed to finalise the detailed designs for the project in partnership with Calderdale Council.
The Elland Access Package was given the green light by planners in November 2024 and the designs will be submitted to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority for approval.
Procured via YORhub’s YORcivil3 framework, the project will support access to the planned new Elland Rail Station by creating easier and safer walking and cycling connections from Elland town centre and wider areas.
Steven Garrigan, Divisional Director at Esh Construction, said: “We have a raft of experience in delivering high quality, public realm projects that make a difference to communities and facilitate future town centre development.
“As with all Esh projects, we have pledged to deliver several initiatives, including volunteering, work experience and funding opportunities, throughout the design phase in a bid to maximise the social value within the local area.”
The development is set to include new routes from Elland town centre and two new pedestrian and cycle bridges crossing the River Calder, and Calder and Hebble Navigation, to connect West Vale, Greetland and Exley to the new station and Elland. Improvements include upgrades to existing pedestrian, cycle routes and public spaces, and new lighting and landscaping.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, Cllr Sarah Courtney, said: “The appointment of a contractor for the Elland Access Package is a step forward in this major project which, together with the new rail station, will improve access to jobs, education and opportunities across the region.
“The access package improvements will connect local communities with the new station, creating new and upgraded routes for walking and cycling and new infrastructure. Lighting and landscaping will also open up routes to the new station under the Calderdale Way. The scheme will also improve the look and feel of the area and offer opportunities for leisure and recreation activities.
“We’re ambitious about Elland and the new station and access package will complement the £6 million transformation of the town centre, which was completed last year. Together, all these improvements are helping to sustain Elland as a thriving town for years to come, with an improved layout and feel.”
Cllr Peter Carlill, Deputy Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee, said: “This is an important step forward towards improving walking, wheeling, and cycling in and around Elland, linking people safely to the new rail station once it’s completed. Both projects will help to create a greener, better-connected region that works for all.”
The Elland Rail Station and Access Package is being delivered by a partnership between the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Calderdale Council. Both projects are funded by the Combined Authority’s West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund with the Access Package also receiving funding from the Transforming Cities Fund.
We have a raft of experience in delivering high quality, public realm projects that make a difference to communities and facilitate future town centre development.”
